Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• opposite
• contrary
• unfavorable
• diametric
• polar
• divergent
• antipodal
• negative
• hostile
• antagonistic
• antipodean
• adverse
• unlike
• dissimilar
• counter
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• alien
• inverse
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

That’s so antithetical to their humanity, that is such a clear violation of their obligation, their oath and the law? —David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026

The decision worried dozens of members of Congress — both Democrats and Republicans — who said the cuts were antithetical to the government’s goal to protect Americans from terrorist threats and hate crimes. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026

Overall, power ballads rely on sentimentality and uplift, two antithetical sentiments at first glance. —Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2026

This, however, was antithetical to how the theme parks were meant to work in Disney’s media ecosystem. —Roland Betancourt, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

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